Don’t take away our happy hours!

New research published today by Drinkers’ Voice, shows that an overwhelming majority (70%) of young drinkers aged 18-24 oppose the banning of happy hours. Drinkers Voice (www.drinkersvoice.org.uk) is a new organisation, funded by donations, leading the consumer fightback against those who seek to penalise people who enjoy a drink.

Happy hours, where pubs and bars offer drinks promotions for a limited amount of time, have long been occasions for people to enjoy and a way to make money stretch further. However, a policy report from the Alcohol Health Alliance states ‘All bulk purchase discounting of alcohol including ‘happy hours’ should be prohibited.’

Drinkers’ Voice spokesperson, Inka Kukkamaki, says: “Happy hours create a great atmosphere in pubs and bars during otherwise quiet times. We are only talking about a short period of time, but it is when many students and young office workers come together to de-stress and socialise after an often somewhat tiring working day.

“At the same time, we trust the bar staff to do their job in serving responsibly. We don’t need the anti alcohol lobby patronising us by intervening and telling us what is best for us. Happy hours are an affordable alternative, and a social way for people to enjoy a drink after a day at college, university or work.”

She added: “We’re calling on young people to join our movement and speak up for drinkers across the country.”

Charlie Peters, 21, says: “In Scotland, where I live, we are subject to increasingly draconian drinking laws and regulations. With minimum pricing hikes on the cards, alcohol sales curfews, and ultra-strict licensing, the government really are taking the joy out of drinking.

“For many of us, happy hours allow for small windows of affordable drinking. They also keep the more mature punters happy by keeping any boisterous students away in the later hours.

“We don’t want to be priced out of being able to enjoy a drink with our mates.”

The Portman Group reports binge drinking among 16-24 year olds is down 33% since 2005,, indicating that young people’s attitudes towards alcohol has become more moderate and considered in recent years.